Playing Tobacco Free: Making Your Park & Recreational Facilities Tobacco Free

What is Tobacco-Free Youth Recreation (TFYR)?  Statewide program of the Minnesota Youth Tobacco Prevention Initiative  Build partnerships between local recreational organizations and health professionals to work on tobacco prevention  Give assistance to groups in their effort to create tobacco-free environments to model and promote healthy lifestyles

Groups that Support Tobacco-Free Policies The National Alliance for Youth Sports and the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation state that parents must demand a tobacco, drug and alcohol-free environment. The National Youth Sports Coaches Association Code of Ethics states that each coach should provide a sports environment that is free of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol. Little League The Minnesota Youth Soccer Association prohibits the use of tobacco during sanctioned events and activities

A Local Park & Recreation Perspective “In order to influence youth towards a positive lifestyle, it takes a united front between all involved: family, school and community. Our goal is to unite all community groups to demonstrate to youngsters that tobacco use is not a part of a healthy lifestyle.” --Bob Bierscheid, St. Paul Parks & Recreation Department

Why are tobacco-free policies effective? Why are policies effective?  They reinforce to the community the message that tobacco use is unhealthy and unnecessary behavior.  They ensure that participants and spectators are not exposed to secondhand smoke.  They create an environment where leaders can model and promote positive, healthy lifestyle choices.

Tobacco Free Outdoor Recreation Facilities in Minnesota

Why are city tobacco-free policies for outdoor facilities important?  Tobacco-free environments protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community.  A city policy creates consistency for youth recreation facilities in the community, since most school districts prohibit tobacco use at their outdoor facilities.  Policies for city-owned facilities support local groups (soccer clubs, etc.) who use city facilities and promote healthy lifestyles.  Discarded cigarette butts cause litter, require maintenance expenses, and can be ingested by toddlers.

What does a typical city tobacco-free policy look like?  Policies outline the specific outdoor recreational facilities that are covered (playgrounds, parks, beaches, etc.).  Policies prohibit spectators and participants from using tobacco.  Policies describe how facility users will be notified (user mailings, policy guidebooks, etc.).  Policies outline how enforcement will occur.

How are these policies enforced? Similar to other park policies, such as alcohol and litter policies, primary enforcement tool is signage. Other methods include policy manual, newsletter, and updates. Signed statements from teams, participants, coaches, and parents are other ways to notify facility users. Each department’s regulation requirements vary – but some departments ask violators to leave the facility for the remainder of the event.

TFYR Signage Qualifications To qualify for TFYR’s FREE metal signs, your tobacco-free policy must include: A list of all the facilities it covers A statement that all forms of tobacco use are prohibited An enforcement plan that includes user notification, signage, and occasional staff compliance checks

Available Resources Policy Development & Implementation Resources TFYR Model Policy Examples of various park & recreation policies Free outdoor signage Other Prevention Resources Tobacco prevention posters Team/Player Pledges Recreational Leader’s Guide